Madewell and New Zealand-based designer Karen Walker teamed up for a pre-fall capsule collection.
Walker, who gives creative backstories to her collection, culled inspiration from a myriad of imaginative sources. Female pirates, a magical rodeo, English horticulture and a hip-hop-era Marie Antoinette are among the whimsical themes found throughout the Madewell line.
“Madewell had free reign on our archives and they pulled out many of the garments that we consider to be the best-known and best-loved,” Walker said. “For us, it was totally intriguing to see our classic designs rediscovered and reimagined by fresh eyes.”
The collection span workwear-inspired 100 percent cotton wide-leg jeans with exposed zips and raw edge hems and a dark denim jacket with three-quarter sleeves and ruffled cuffs, to a denim tank with a tie front and raw hem and coordinating skirt. Highlights include an off-the-shoulder belted dress and a wide-leg denim jumpsuit with deep pockets and a wide sash denim belt.
A series of floral printed dresses and blouses with a bohemian vibe and a ruffled smock top round-out the collection. The line also offers three pair of sunglasses—a category that Walker is known best for. One style is an updated take on Walker’s popular Helter Skelter frames, refreshed in pink.
“We’re long-time fans of Karen Walker and her brand,” Madewell’s head designer Joyce Lee said. “We love the energy they bring to their designs through their use of color and prints and the way they reimagine denim with a novelty twist.”
The collection is available in Madewell’s stores and online.
